Master of Arts in Arab Studies
The Master of Arts in Arab Studies (MAAS) trains you in the contemporary Arab world’s language, history, culture, society, politics and economics.
You’ll be prepared to think critically and engage ethically with the Southwest Asian and North Africa (SWANA) region and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through interdisciplinary courses and intensive language instruction.
Quick facts
Deadlines
Fall term 2026
Early action: December 1, 2025 – application fee waived
Priority deadline: January 15, 2026 – scholarship consideration
Final deadline: April 1, 2026
Contact
Program duration
2 years, full-time
Part-time study available with program approval
Credits
6 foundational credits
9 core credits
21 elective credits
Average cohort size
25 students
Who should apply?
The M.A. in Arab Studies program is for you if you want to gain expertise in political science, history, anthropology, political economy and literature in this region of the world. Rigorous training in the Arabic language is a cornerstone of the program, so we encourage you to enter with intermediate-level Arabic proficiency. As part of the program, you’ll have unique opportunities to take Arabic content courses on topics ranging from Arabic literature to politics, history and culture of the region, as well as to attend film series and lectures in Arabic.
Curriculum
In our interdisciplinary degree, you craft your own program of study based on your academic and professional interests. You’ll develop both a breadth and depth of knowledge in various critical issues facing the region today. By choosing courses taught by Arab Studies professors or from the full range of courses related to Middle East Studies offered at Georgetown, you’ll gain experience and expertise to help you accomplish your academic or professional goals after graduation.
Career paths
The M.A. in Arab Studies prepares you to join a new generation of diplomats, scholars, teachers, policymakers and leaders focused on the Arab world. To develop career opportunities, you can connect with our program, the School of Foreign Service and Georgetown alumni networks and the SFS Graduate Career Center. Graduates have gone on to work in diplomatic service, international finance, media, human rights and development, and as U.S. Congressional staff members and faculty at leading universities.
“My peers are passionate, brilliant individuals — eager to study development, policy, culture, gender and history in the Middle East. They engage problems with intellectual rigor and honesty, yet generously share their insights.”
“I also use the language skills I developed during the MAAS program on a daily basis – having Arabic and Persian helps me follow local media.”
in the world for international relations master’s programs
2024 Foreign Policy Magazine
employed within six months of graduation
MAAS Class of 2023
Faculty highlights
Our faculty experts include professors who bring their hands-on experience and extensive knowledge directly to you in the classroom. You’ll learn from core faculty housed in the program, adjuncts working in the field and affiliated faculty in related studies across Georgetown.
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Fida AdelyAssociate Professor and Director, Center for Contemporary Arab Studies (CCAS)
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Marwa DaoudySeif Ghobash Chair in Arab Studies
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Joseph SassoonProfessor
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